This webinar is part of the OLC Accelerate 2025 Best-in-Track webinar series!
In a world where silence can be more damaging than words, the true mark of a leader is the courage to speak up. This webinar delves into the transformative power of open, honest dialogue. The ability to engage in courageous conversations is essential for leaders and teams. This session will uncover how leaders who embrace courageous conversations not only navigate challenges more effectively but also inspire trust, foster innovation, and drive meaningful change within their organizations. Join us to explore the art of courageous communication and discover how your voice can be a catalyst for progress and empowerment.
When opinions differ and stakes are high, some may shy away; however, this is when the environment is ripe for courageous conversations! Engaging in courageous conversations demonstrates a commitment to the team’s well-being and development, leading to higher levels of staff engagement and increased morale. Courageous conversations have the ability to preserve relationships, foster a shared understanding of how to move forward, and create a culture of transparency and trust. We will explore the dynamics of courageous conversations by examining why we often choose to remain silent and the impact of silence on a team and an organization. Furthermore, we will provide tools to help both leadership and staff engage in conversations that are productive, thoughtful, empathetic, and deepen trust for all involved.
Intended Audience:
Administrators, instructional support, learning & development professionals
Key Takeaways:
- Tips for how to engage in courageous conversations with candor, empathy, and an open mind
- Tools for leaders to help their staff successfully navigate challenging conversations
Please Note: While attending the webinar live is free for OLC members and non-members, on-demand recordings will be available post-webinar for Professional and Institutional Members only. Consider becoming an OLC member for access to these and many other great benefits!
Speaker Bio
Carey Hansard
Associate Dean, Academic Innovation – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Carey is a lifelong educator who started her career teaching in the public school system. Since joining Embry Riddle, she has held multiple positions including Academic Technology Trainer, Executive Director, and her current role as Associate Dean of Strategy and Operations – Academic Innovation. Her passion for teaching and learning carries over into her part-time job as an adjunct instructor in ERAU’s College of Business. She holds degrees in education, Spanish and Latin American Studies from Flagler College and a master’s degree in leadership from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Carey is the co-founder of the hER Women’s Professional Network, a professional organization at Embry Riddle dedicated to the advancement, empowerment, and support of women in aviation education. Most recently, she obtained coaching certification through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Although she loves coaching in general, she is dedicated to helping women envision the future of their career and coaching them down a path to realizing their dreams.
Kamille Leptz, Ed.D.
Senior Director of Instructional Design & Development – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Dr. Kamille Leptz is a visionary educator and strategic leader with over 20 years of experience spanning K–12 and higher education. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Instructional Design and Development at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she leads a dynamic team in designing innovative, accessible, and outcomes-driven learning experiences that empower faculty and students alike. Her career began in K–12 education, where she served as a high school English Language Arts teacher, middle school assistant principal, and principal. These formative roles shaped her commitment to equity, creativity, and cultivating environments where students and staff can grow and thrive. Today, she brings that same passion to higher education, championing professional development, instructional innovation, and the integration of emerging technologies. Dr. Leptz is deeply committed to creating opportunities for learners and educators to flourish – believing that when people are supported to grow, entire communities are transformed.